Calculating Coefficient of Kinetic Friction in a Collison with Rough Surfaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coefficient of kinetic friction for two colliding blocks, where block M1 (3.5 kg) collides with stationary block M2 (1.7 kg) and they stick together on a rough surface, coming to a stop after traveling 1.85 m. The initial kinetic energy (KE) is calculated as 69.4575 J, and the post-collision KE is 46.75 J, leading to a delta KE of 22.7073 J. The correct approach is to equate the post-collision KE directly with the work done by friction, rather than using delta KE, which is not applicable in this context. The accurate coefficient of kinetic friction is derived from this relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations (KE = 1/2 mv^2)
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation principles in collisions
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle, particularly in the context of friction
  • Basic grasp of vector dot products and their application in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem and its application to frictional forces
  • Learn about momentum conservation in inelastic collisions
  • Explore the derivation of kinetic friction coefficients in various scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of different surface materials on friction coefficients
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and frictional forces in mechanics.

Mivz18
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I'm having trouble solving for the correct answer for this problem:

A block of mass M1 = 3.5 kg moves with velocity v1 = 6.3 m/s on a frictionless surface. It collides with block of mass M2 = 1.7 kg which is initially stationary. The blocks stick together and encounter a rough surface. The blocks eventually come to a stop after traveling a distance d = 1.85 m . What is the coefficient of kinetic friction on the rough surface?

With the help the problem provided, I get that KE = (1/2)m*v^2 which also equals momentum squared over 2 times the two masses added together; this equals the post-collision KE. I also find out that the Force of friction = (friction constant)g(m1 + m2) . Then through the vector dot product you can figure out that delta KE = F*d = (sliding friction coefficient)gd(m1 + m2)cos(180) . I calculate the initial KE as 69.4575 and the post-collision KE as 46.75 leaving delta KE as 22.7073. Then when I solve for the sliding friction coefficient, from the equation
delta KE = (friction coefficient)gd(m1+m2)cos(180).
After my numbers are plugged in and I solve, I get 0.240859 as the answer. However, the online program I'm using says it is incorrect. Am I doing something wrong?
 
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It is not meaningful to use (delta KE) here!
What you then actually are saying, is that all of your initial KE is distibuted between post-collision KE, and the work of friction.
This is patently untrue, since some of the initial KE were lost in the collision.

What IS true, is that ALL post-collision KE is dissipated by friction.

So, equate post-collision KE with work of friction!
 
Thank you!
 

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